US says deal on reopening Hormuz close as Iran, Oman hold ‘positive’ talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported progress in Oman-mediated talks between the US and Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz for safe shipping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested an agreement could be reached within days, while Iranian officials described discussions as positive but noted unresolved differences on operational mechanisms and security arrangements.
Negotiations aimed at establishing safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz have advanced, according to statements from senior US officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that meaningful progress has been made in discussions mediated by Oman, though a final agreement remains unsigned. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested a deal could materialize imminently, while Iranian diplomatic sources similarly indicated resolution was possible within days.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson characterized the talks as positive at both political and technical levels, with discussions centered on creating designated shipping lanes through the waterway. However, substantive disagreements persist regarding how the strait would operate, including questions about maritime service fees, security protocols, and the specific mechanism for reopening the passage.
Oman has served as the primary intermediary in these discussions, with the US participating while Iran maintains it is negotiating with Oman rather than directly with Washington. The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical issue in broader US-Iran tensions, with officials seeking a near-term agreement to enable safer shipping before addressing larger diplomatic questions.
Regional diplomatic efforts have expanded beyond the strait negotiations. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke by telephone with US President Donald Trump to discuss de-escalation efforts. According to the emir's office, Trump acknowledged Doha's contributions to facilitating dialogue, while the emir emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and adherence to a US-Iran memorandum of understanding established in mid-June.
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